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For Immediate Release: December 28, 2006
Contact: Lt. Peggy Harrell
Fire Safety Education Coordinator
Phone: 972-941-7421
peggyha@plano.gov
Fireworks Prohibited Within City Limits of Plano
The Plano Fire Department reminds you the possession, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of Plano. Violators could be fined up to $2,000 for each offense.
The Plano Fire Marshal reminds citizens illegal fireworks include any device for the purpose of producing a visible and audible effect for entertainment purposes by ignition with a match or other heat-producing device. Sparklers and roman candles are examples of illegal fireworks while Party Poppers, Champagne Poppers and Fun Snaps are acceptable.
According to the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2003 an estimated 9,700 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. More than half the injuries were burns and most involved the hands, eyes and head with 50 percent of the victims children under age 15.
As the New Year holiday approaches, the Plano Fire Department and the Home Safety Council urge families to enjoy fireworks the safer way, by attending locally sanctioned fireworks shows presented by professionals who adhere to safety codes.
Fireworks are not toys, they are devices designed to reach high temperatures, to burn and spark, to explode and launch. They are unpredictable by nature and too dangerous for non-professional users.
Dr. Gary Smith, Director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus Children’s Research Institute in Ohio, conducted a 22-year study of fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms. What he found may help you understand the risk. Here’s a sampling:
• 67 percent of sparkler-related injuries were among children 5 years or younger
• 70 percent of patients treated for all fireworks injuries were male
• Adult supervision was present in 54 percent of the cases
• The eyes were injured in nearly one-third of the cases
• The average age of patients was eight and one-half years
Although many states permit fireworks use by consumers, only trained and experienced experts should use or transport fireworks. Be aware fireworks safety is not a supervision issue. A fireworks injury can happen in the blink of an eye, whether or not a parent is standing by with a bucket of water. During the holiday, keep in mind the safest amateur use of fireworks is none at all, and, again, fireworks possession, storage, sale, handling and use is prohibited within the city limits of Plano.
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